Condensation reagents and a process for their preparation

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to new bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I)  
                 
in which 
     R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , n and X have the meaning indicated in the disclosure, a process for their preparation, their use as condensation reagents, particularly as peptide coupling reagents, and intermediates for the preparation of these compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to new bromothiazolium salts and chlorothiazolium salts and their use as condensation reagents, particularly as peptide coupling reagents, a process for their preparation, and intermediates needed in this process.

For the preparation of efficient peptide coupling reagents such as, for example, of the peptide coupling reagent 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methyl-thiazolium tetrafluoroborate (BEMT, see Tetrahedron Lett. 1999, 40, 8301-8304), published for the first time in 1999 by P. Li, bromothiazoles such as, for example, 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole are needed as immediate precursors. The processes known for the preparation of these compounds, particularly of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole, are not satisfactory and are unsuitable for preparation on a molar or larger scale. The structurally similar, but less active reagent 2-bromo-1-ethyl-pyridinium tetrafluoro-borate (BEP, see Chem. Lett. 2000, 204-205) is, for example, significantly easier to prepare, longer known, and commercially obtainable. There is therefore a need for improved processes for the preparation of peptide coupling reagents such as BEMT and suitable bromothiazoles such as 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole and routes for their preparation.

There is likewise a need for further peptide coupling reagents that are employed with higher efficiency and can be prepared using practicable processes. Thus, for example, the 2-chlorothiazole derivative of BEMT, 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazole tetrafluoroborate (CEMT, CAS No. 667-86-7, Dalton Trans. (1974), 7, 760-764) and its precursor, 2-chloromethylthiazole (CMT, CAS No. 26847-01-8, JP 44/32,406) are known compounds. However, while BEMT has already been described as a coupling reagent, the chloro derivative (CEMT) has hitherto not been disclosed as a coupling reagent. The key structural unit for the preparation of CEMT, CMT has moreover always been prepared by means of a process route which, like the processes for the preparation of BEMT, has disadvantages (Raubenheimer, H. G. et al (1997), Organomet. Chem. 544, 91-100).

2-Bromo-4-methylthiazole can be prepared from 2-amino-4-methyl-thiazole by Sandmeyer reaction. The work-up is complicated and the yield of 32% of theory is unsatisfactory (cf. Yakugaku Zasshi 1960, 80, 1795 cited in C.A. 55:10417). Li, in 1999 (cf. above), only indicates a yield for the overall synthesis sequence for the preparation of BEMT that is not very satisfactory. In our own attempts to adjust this, it was additionally found that approximately 30% of 2,5-dibromo-4-methylthiazole is formed as an undesired and poorly separable by-product. A further synthesis route described is the bromination of 4-methylthiazole. The reaction with N-bromosuccinimide in tetrachloromethane has further disadvantages above and beyond the low yield of only 26% (cf. Zh. Obshch. Khim. 1957, 27, 726 English translation in J. Gen. Chem. USSR, p. 799). On the one hand, the reagent is very expensive when used industrially and, on the other hand, the use of tetrachloromethane is undesirable for industrial safety reasons and even prohibited in some countries. Bromination with elemental bromine has hitherto not been successful (cf. Current Sci. (India), 1952, 21, 314 cited in C.A. 48:2046 and Zh. Obshch. Khim.).

The synthesis of 2-bromo-4-ethylthiazole and 2-bromo-4,5-dimethylthiazole by cyclization of α-thiocyanatoalkanones with hydro-bromic acid is known from J. Sci. Ind. Res. Sect. B 1962, 21, 291. Nothing has been published hitherto about an analogous synthesis of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole, despite the existing need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There have now been found new bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I)

in which

-   R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, hydroxyl,     methyl-sulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl,     p-methylphenylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally substituted by     halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, -   R² represents C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl,     phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, phenyl that is optionally     substituted by halogen, NO₂, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl,     C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy,     C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxycarbonyl,     C₁-C₄-alkyl-carbonyloxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkylcarbonyloxy, benzyl     that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or     C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or pyrrolyl, thienyl, naphthyl, or benzothiophenyl,     each of which is optionally substituted by halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or     C₁-C₄-halogeno-alkyl, -   R³ represents hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, or -   R² and R³ together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally     substituted by halogen, NO₂, carboxyl, carbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy or the     optionally halogen-, NO₂-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl-,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy-substituted groups having the     formulas

where the arrows mark the points of linkage to the thiazolium ring, and

n represents 3, 4 or 5,

-   R⁴ represents bromine or chlorine, and -   X- represents chloride, bromide, iodide, hydrogen sulfate, ½     equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, hexachloroantimonate (SbCl₆ ⁻),     methane-sulfonate (mesylate), trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate),     p-toluene-sulfonate (tosylate), tetrafluoroborate,     tetraphenylborate, or hexafluorophosphate, -   excluding the compounds 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium     tetra-fluoroborate and 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium     hexachloro-antimonate, 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium     tetrafluoroborate and 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium     hexachloroantimonate, 2-bromo-3-methyl-4-phenylthiazolium     tetrafluoroborate, 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4,5-dimethylthiazolium     tetrafluoroborate, and 2-chloro-3,4-dimethylthiazolium     tetrafluoroborate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the relative reactivities of compounds according to the invention when used as peptide coupling agents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred substituents or preferred ranges of the radicals present in the formulas mentioned above and below are defined below.

-   R¹ preferably represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, hydroxyl,     methyl-sulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally     substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, ethyl, n- or     i-propyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, or n- or i-propoxy. -   R² preferably represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,     n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, or benzyl or phenyl that is optionally     substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, ethyl, n- or     i-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy or n- or i-propoxy. -   R³ preferably represents hydrogen or methyl. -   R² and R³ preferably also together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- substituted     by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl,     methoxy, ethoxy, or carbonyl or groups having the formulas

where the arrows mark the points of linkage to the thiazolium ring.

-   n preferably represents 3 or 4. -   R⁴ preferably represents bromine. -   X- preferably represents bromide, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate,     SbCl6-, mesylate, triflate, tosylate, tetrafluoroborate,     tetraphenyl-borate, or hexafluorophosphate. -   R¹ preferably represents methyl, ethyl, methylsulfonyl,     ethylsulfonyl or benzyl that is optionally substituted by fluorine     and/or chlorine. -   R² particularly preferably represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,     n-butyl or phenyl that is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or     chlorine, methyl, or ethyl. -   R³ particularly preferably represents hydrogen. -   R² and R³ particularly preferably also together represent     -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or     chlorine, methyl, ethyl, or carbonyl. -   X- particularly preferably represents bromide, ½ equivalent of     sulfate, sulfate, or tetrafluoroborate. -   R¹ very particularly preferably represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,     or isopropyl. -   R² very particularly preferably represents methyl or ethyl. -   X- very particularly preferably represents tetrafluoroborate.

Independently thereof, those compounds are also preferred in which R² represents isobutyl or ethyl or n-propyl and R³ represents isopropyl or methyl or ethyl.

A particularly preferred group of compounds of the formula (I) are those compounds in which R⁴ represents bromine.

The compounds of the formula (I) are particularly suitable as condensation reagents, particularly in peptide synthesis as peptide coupling reagents.

According to the invention, preferred compounds of the formula (I) are those in which a combination of the meanings mentioned above as preferred is present.

According to the invention, particularly preferred compounds of the formula (I) are those in which a combination of the meanings mentioned above as particularly preferred is present.

According to the invention, very particularly preferred compounds of the formula (I) are those in which a combination of the meanings mentioned above as very particularly preferred is present.

The above-mentioned general definitions of radicals or explanations or definitions of radicals or explanations mentioned in preferred ranges can be combined with one another in any desired manner, i.e., also between the particular ranges and preferred ranges. These definitions apply correspondingly to the final product and to the precursors and intermediates.

The new bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I) are particularly suitable for use as condensation reagents, particularly as peptide coupling reagents. In particular, the bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I-2) mentioned below are suitable as condensation reagents, particularly as peptide coupling reagents. Furthermore, the new bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I), particularly those of the formula (I-2), are suitable as condensation reagents for the formation of an amide bond between a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic acid derivative and an amine.

The new bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I) or of the formulas (I-1) and (I-2) described below are obtained by the processes (A) and (B) described below.

-   (A) The new bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I-1)

in which

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ have one of the meanings indicated above, and

X¹⁻ represents chloride, bromide, iodide, hydrogen sulfate, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, SbCl₆ ⁻, methanesulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, or p-toluenesulfonate, are obtained when

bromo- and chlorothiazoles of the formula (II)

in which

R², R³ and R⁴ have the meaning indicated above,

(a) are reacted with alkylating reagents of the formula (III) R¹-X¹  (III),

-   -   in which     -   R¹ has the meaning indicated above, and     -   X⁻ represents chlorine, bromine, iodine, sulfoxy, ½ equivalent         of sulfate, sulfate, SbCl₆ ⁻, methylsulfonyl-oxy,         trifluorosulfonyloxy, or toluenesulfonyloxy, in the presence of         a diluent, or

(b) are reacted with sulfonating reagents of the formula (VII)

-   -   in which     -   R¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably represents,         for example, methyl, ethyl, phenyl, or 4-methylphenyl,     -   in the presence of a diluent, the reaction preferably being         carried out in the presence of a base such as, for example, a         tertiary amine (e.g., triethylamine) or pyridine, or

(c) are oxidized using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), peracids, or NaOCl.

-   (B) The new bromo- and chlorothiazolium salts of the formula (I-2)

in which

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ have the meaning indicated above, and

X¹¹⁻ represents tetrafluoroborate, tetraphenylborate, or hexafluorophosphate,

are obtained when

(a) bromo- and chlorothiazoles of the formula (II)

-   -   in which     -   R², R³ and R⁴ have the meaning indicated above, are reacted with         alkylating reagents of the formula (IV)         (R¹)₃-O+X¹¹⁻  (IV),     -   in which     -   R¹¹ and X¹¹⁻ have the meaning indicated above, in the presence         of a diluent, or when

(b) compounds of the formula (I-1)

-   -   in which     -   R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and X¹⁻ have the meaning indicated above, are         employed and the anion X¹⁻ is exchanged with tetrafluoroboric         acid, tetraphenylboric acid, or hexafluoro-phosphoric acid or an         anion exchanger loaded with these acids for an anion having the         meaning of X¹¹⁻ indicated above.

The compounds of the formula (II) are not yet known from the literature, with the exception of compounds in which R⁴ represents bromine and R² represents CH₃ when R³ represents hydrogen or CH₃; in which R⁴ represents chlorine and R² represents CH₃ when R³ represents hydrogen; and in which R⁴ represents bromine and R² represents ethyl when R³ represents hydrogen. The new compounds are likewise a subject of the present invention.

The compounds of the formula (II) are obtained when compounds of the formula (V)

-   in which -   R² and R³ have one of the meanings indicated above, -   are reacted with hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride in the     presence of a diluent and the hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride     is then released from the compound of the formula (VI) first     obtained -   in which R², R³ and R⁴ have one of the meanings indicated for     formula (II) and R⁴⁻ is bromide or chloride.

The bromo- and chlorothiazoles of the formula (II-1)

-   in which -   n represents 1 or 2 -   are likewise not yet known from the literature and are likewise in     particular a subject of this invention.

Thus the bromo- and chlorothiazoles of the formula (11-1) are obtained when, as generally described at the beginning, 2-thiocyanato-cyclopentanone or 2-thiocyanatocyclohexanone is reacted with hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride in the presence of a diluent and the hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride is then released from the hydrobromide or hydrochloride first obtained.

The compounds of the formula (V) are known and/or can be prepared by known processes (see, for example, Schantl et al. 1998, Synth. Commun. 28, 1451-1462, Indian J. Chem., Sect. B (1991), 30, 1152-1155, J. Org. Chem. (1986), 51, 543-545, J. Indian Chem. Soc. (1965), 32, 427, J. Am. Chem. Soc. (1952), 74, 1719, Indian J. Chem. (1967),5, 526).

Thus the compound 2-chloro-4-methylthiazole as in formula (II), which is known from the literature, is obtained when 1-thiocyanato-2-propanone is reacted with hydrogen chloride in the presence of a diluent and the hydrogen chloride is then released from the 2-chloro-4-methyl-thiazolium chloride first obtained. This process is fully included by the present invention. This process can be represented as follows as an example of the preparation of compounds of the formula (II):

Thus the compound 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole as in formula (II), which is known from the literature, is further obtained when 1-thiocyanato-2-propanone is reacted with hydrogen bromide in the presence of a diluent and the hydrogen bromide is then released from the 2-bromo-4-methyl-thiazolium bromide first obtained. This process is fully included by the present invention. This process can be represented as follows as an example of the preparation of compounds of the formula (II):

It is advantageous in this case that this synthesis takes place in high yield from a very readily accessible starting material. 1-Thiocyanato-2-propanone is obtainable in two reaction steps by chlorination, bromination, or iodination of acetone and subsequent reaction with thiocyanates (cf., for example, Chem. Ber. 1928, 61, 1784).

Using the process according to the invention, access to 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole as a valuable intermediate has been significantly improved. This is all the more surprising, as this has obviously not been successfully carried out in the almost 40 years since the publication of the synthesis of the 4-ethyl compound. Whereas 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole was already employed as an active compound precursor in two Swiss patents (CH 210790; CH 210784) applied for by Ciba in 1938, the poor accessibility stood in the way of wide use until today. This object of providing a better process is achieved by the invention described here.

The preparation of the compound 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methyl-thiazolium tetrafluoroborate as in formula (I), which is already known from the literature, is carried out, for example, by first reacting 1-thiocyanato-2-propanone as in the process according to the invention described above to give 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole and, in a further step, reacting this with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate. The process can be represented as follows:

This process is fully included by the present invention.

The preparation of the compound 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4-methyl-thiazolium tetrafluoroborate as in formula (I), which is already known from the literature, is carried out as in the process according to the invention by reacting 1-thiocyanato-2-propanone to give 2-chloro-4-methylthiazole and, in a further step, reacting this with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate. The process can be represented as follows (see also the preparation examples):

This process is fully included by the present invention.

The cyclization according to the invention of compounds of the formula (V) with hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride is carried out in the presence of a diluent. Certain aprotic organic solvents and any desired mixtures thereof are suitable for this. Examples that may be mentioned are alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as, for example, petroleum ether, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, or decalin; halogenated hydrocarbons, such as, for example, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, methylene chloride, chloroform, tetra-chloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, or tetrachloroethylene; ethers, such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, methyl t-amyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxy-ethane, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, or anisole. Methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, diethyl ether, or tert-butyl methyl ether, particularly preferably methylene chloride, are preferably employed.

2.0 to 10 mol (preferably 2.1 to 7 mol) of hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride and 0.5 to 5 liter (preferably 1 to 3 liter) of diluent are employed in the cyclization per mole of the compound of the formula (V).

The cyclization is carried out with exclusion of moisture. This can be guaranteed, for example, by employing commercially available dry diluents or rendering these absolute according to the generally customary drying methods, as well as by employing dry hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride and/or passing these through a deep-frozen gas trap and/or a drying tower containing a suitable drying agent or a gas scrubbing device, such as, for example, a wash bottle containing concentrated sulfuric acid. The cyclization is expediently carried out such that the compound of the formula (V) is preferably introduced into the diluent and the hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride is then passed in with temperature control and good dispersion. The exothermic reaction is in general carried out at a temperature of −30 to +40° C., preferably at −15 to +30° C. It is particularly advantageous to keep the temperature during the introduction of hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride between 0 and +10° C. and then to after-react for a further ½ to 15 hours at room temperature and allow to crystallize. The compound of the formula (VI) resulting therefrom can conveniently be obtained by a solid/liquid separation process, such as, for example, filtration or centrifugation.

For the release of the bromo- and chlorothiazoles of the formula (II) from the hydrobromide or the hydrochloride, weaker acid acceptors are suitable. Those possible are organic and inorganic bases. These weaker acid acceptors preferably include alkali metal carbonates or hydrogen carbonates, such as, for example, sodium, potassium, or ammonium carbonate, sodium hydrogen- or potassium hydrogen carbonate, and also tertiary amines, such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, pyridine, N-methylpiperidine, N-methylmorpholine, N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, diazabicyclooctane (DABCO), diazabicyclononene (DBN), or diazabicycloundecene. Sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate are preferred.

The release of the bromo- and chlorothiazoles as in formula (II) from the hydrobromide or hydrochloride can be carried out without a prior drying step in the same diluent as the cyclization. For this, it is advantageous when separating off the hydrobromide or hydrochloride to wash with some diluent in order largely to remove the excess hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride. The bromothiazolium bromide or chlorothiazolium chloride is suspended in the diluent (in general 0.8 to 3 liter per mole of hydrobromide or hydrochloride) and the base is then added. Preferably, an aqueous solution of an inorganic base is employed, such as, for example, sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The concentration is not critical here. Preferably, more highly concentrated to saturated solutions are taken. Per mole of hydrobromide or hydrochloride, 1.0 to 1.5 equivalents (preferably 1.0 to 1.2 equivalents) of base are employed. The neutralization is in general carried out at a temperature from −20 to +30° C., preferably at −5 to +10° C.

The bromo- or chlorothiazole is isolated according to the customary methods of organic chemistry. Preferably, a phase separation is carried out and the organic phase is distilled. Before the distillation, drying can be carried out using a drying agent such as, for example, magnesium or sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, silica gel, or molecular sieve.

The reagents of the formula (III), (VII), and (IV) needed for the preparation according to the invention of the 3-alkyl-2-halogeno-thiazolium salts of the formulas (I-1) or (I-2) by alkylation are generally known or commercially obtainable.

The preparation according to the invention of the 3-alkyl-2-halogenothiazolium salts of the formula (I-1) or formula (I-2) is in each case carried out in the presence of a diluent. Certain aprotic organic solvents and any desired mixtures thereof are suitable for this. Examples that may be mentioned are alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as, for example, petroleum ether, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclo-hexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, or decalin; halogenated hydrocarbons, such as, for example, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, methylene chloride, chloroform, tetrachloromethane, dichloroethane, trichloroethane, or tetra-chloroethylene; ethers, such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, methyl t-amyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, or anisole, methyl cyanide, acetone, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, or homologs, and dimethyl sulfate, which can simultaneously be used as an alkylating agent.

In general, 0.8 to 2 (preferably 1.0 to 1.5) equivalents of alkylating reagent of the formula (III) or (IV) and 0.1 to 5 liter of diluent are employed per mole of 2-bromo- or chlorothiazole of the formula (II).

In the process as in (A)(b) for the preparation of compounds of the formula (I-1), hydrocarbons, ethers, and halogenohydrocarbons are particularly suitable as diluents. Polar protic solvents such as DMF are also possible, likewise mixtures of the solvents mentioned above. In this process route, all reagents are preferably employed in molar ratios or alternatively in excesses. Preferably, this process is carried out at temperatures from −20° C. to +100° C. (see also Zh. Obshch. Khim. (1959), 29, 2655-2657, Engl. ed. p. 2619-2621; Organikum, VEB Deutscher Verlag der Wissenschaften Berlin (1988), 597-615).

Compounds of the formula (I) in which R¹ is carbonyl are accessible as in process (A)(c) by oxidation of compounds of the formula (II) with hydrogen peroxide, peracids, or NaOCl (see, for example, Organikum, VEB Deutscher Verlag der Wissenschaften Berlin (1988), 597-615).

The alkylation is carried out under generally customary conditions. The reaction is carried out, for example, at a temperature from −80 to +100° C. The preferred temperature depends on the reactivity of the reagent, which is different in each case.

The reaction of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole to give BEMT or of 2-chloro-4-methylthiazole to give CEMT is carried out in the presence of a diluent. Certain aprotic organic solvents and any desired mixtures thereof are suitable for this. Examples that may be mentioned are the same solvents which are listed in the case of the cyclization. Methylene chloride is preferably employed.

The triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate needed for carrying out this reaction is commercially obtainable. Approximately equimolar amounts of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole or 2-chloro-4-methylthiazole and triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate and 0.5 to 2 liter of diluent per mole batch size are employed. The reaction is expediently carried out such that the 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole or 2-chloro-4-methylthiazole is preferably introduced into the diluent and the triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate is then metered in. The reaction is in general carried out at 0 to +60° C., preferably at 15 to 55° C. It is particularly advantageous to keep the temperature during the addition between 20 and +30° C. and then to heat the mixture, for example, to about 50° C. and to allow it to after-react for ½ to 2 hours.

The work-up is carried out according to generally known methods of organic chemistry. A preferred work-up after reaction in dichloromethane is crystallization by addition of only slightly polar aprotic diluents such as, for example, tert-butyl methyl ether, diethyl ether, or hexane. If desired, the 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium tetrafluoroborate or the 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4-methyl-thiazolium tetrafluoroborate can be further purified in good yield by crystallization from alcohols such as, for example, methanol, ethanol, or isopropanol or other organic solvents.

The reactions of the processes according to the invention can be carried out at normal pressure or at elevated pressure. Preferably, the reaction is carried out at normal pressure. If not stated otherwise, the reaction is carried out and worked up and the reaction products are isolated according to generally customary, known methods.

The following examples further illustrate details for the preparation and use of the compounds of this invention. The invention, which is set forth in the foregoing disclosure, is not to be limited either in spirit or scope by these examples. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that known variations of the conditions and processes of the following preparative procedures can be used to prepare these compounds. Unless otherwise noted, all temperatures are degrees Celsius and all percentages are percentages by weight.{PRIVATE}

EXAMPLES Preparation Examples Example 1

110 g (0.60 mol) of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole were added at room temperature to a solution of 117 g (0.58 mol) of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate in 400 ml of dichloromethane such that a temperature of 30° C. was not exceeded. After addition was complete, the mixture was warmed to 50° C. for 60 min and then cooled to room temperature. For complete crystallization, the reaction mixture was treated with 300 ml of methyl tert-butyl ether, the crystals were filtered off with suction, and the product was then recrystallized from isopropanol.

-   Yield of 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium tetrafluoroborate     (BEMT): -   140 g (80%), white crystals. -   M.p.: 184° C. -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ=1.45 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H, CH₂CH₃), 2.62     (s, 3H, CH₃thiazole), 3.95 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H, CH₂CH₃), 8.05 (s, 1 H,     thiazole). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, CH₃CN-d₃): δ=13.9, 14.7, 50.0, 148.5, 123.4,     145.4. -   MS (ESI⁺): m/z=206 (⁷⁹Br), 208 (⁸¹ Br).

Example 2a

1.50 g (8.42 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole were added at room temperature to a solution of 1.25 g (8.42 mmol) of trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate in 5 ml of dichloroethane. After addition was complete, the mixture was warmed to 50° C. for 30 min and then cooled to room temperature. For complete crystallization, the reaction mixture was treated with about 20 ml of methyl tert-butyl ether and the crystals were filtered off with suction.

-   Yield of 2-bromo-3-methyl-4-methylthiazole tetrafluoroborate: 2.3 g     (99%), white crystals -   M.p.: 184° C. -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ=2.56 (s, 3H, CH₃ thiazole), 3.96 (s,     3H, CH₃), 8.03 (s,1 H, thiazole). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, CH₃CN-d₃): δ=14.0, 39.3, 120.8, 144.8, 147.7. -   MS (ESI⁺): m/z=192 (⁷⁹Br), 194 (⁸¹ Br).

Example 2b

5.33 g (56.2 mmol) of bromomethane were added in a pressure vessel at 25° C. to a solution of 1.0 g (5.62 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-methyl-thiazole in 4.0 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. The vessel was closed and warmed to 60° C. After stirring for 12 h, the mixture was cooled to 25° C., the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was codistilled three times with ethyl acetate to remove the last traces of DMF. The residue was recrystallized from isopropanol.

-   Yield of 2-bromo-3-methyl-4-methylthiazole tetrafluoroborate: 0.47 g     (31%), white crystals -   M.p.: 260° C. (decomposition). -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d₃): δ=2.63 (s, 3H, CH₃thiazole), 4.08 (s, 3H,     CH₃), 7.98 (s, 1 H, thiazole). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d₃): δ=15.2, 40.4, 122.5, 147.6, 149.3. -   MS (ESI⁺): m/z=192 (⁷⁹Br), 194 (⁸¹ Br).

Example 2c

Dimethyl sulfate (0.53 g, 4.21 mmol) dissolved at 25° C. in 0.5 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was added to a solution of 1.5 g (8.42 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole in 4.0 ml of N,N-dimethylformamide. After stirring at 25° C. for 3 hours, the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was codistilled three times with ethyl acetate to remove the last traces of DMF. The residue was recrystallized from isopropanol. Yield of bis(2-bromo-3-methyl-4-methylthiazole) sulfate: 0.85 g (21%), white crystals

-   M.p.: 149° C. -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d₃): δ=2.65 (s, 3H, CH₃thiazole), 4.10 (s, 3H,     CH₃), 7.98 (s, 1H, thiazole). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d₃): δ=15.2, 40.2, 122.4, 146.8, 148.9. -   MS (ESI⁺): m/z=192 (⁷⁹Br), 194 (81 Br).

Example 3

6.0 g (0.03 mol) of 2-bromo-3,4-dimethyl-1,3-thiazole dissolved in 25 ml of dichloroethane were added dropwise to a solution of 6.53 g (0.03 mol) of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate in 50 ml of dichloroethane such that a temperature of 20° C. was not exceeded. After addition was complete, the mixture was heated to reflux for 1 h, then cooled to room temperature and the product was crystallized by addition of 1,000 ml of methyl tert-butyl ether and recrystallized from isopropanol.

-   Yield of 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4,5-dimethylthiazole tetrafluoroborate: 9.5     g (98%), white crystals. -   M.p.: 235° C. (decomposition). -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CH₃CN-d₃): δ=1.40 (t, 3H, CH₃ CH₂CH₃), 2.45, 2.48     (2×s, 3H, CH₃, thiazole, 4.45 (q, 2H, CH₂CH₃). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d₃): δ=11.5, 11.73, 12.46, 49.04, 134.21,     139.54, 142.99. -   MS (GC/ESI⁺): m/z=220 (⁷⁹Br), 222 (⁸¹ Br)

Example 4

12 g (0.06 mol) of 2-bromo-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazole dissolved in 25 ml of dichloroethane were added dropwise to a solution of 11.50 g (0.06 mol) of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate in 50 ml of dichloro-ethane such that a temperature of 20° C. was not exceeded. After addition was complete, the mixture was heated to reflux for 1 h, then cooled to room temperature and the product was crystallized by addition of 1,000 ml of methyl tert-butyl ether and recrystallized from isopropanol. Yield of 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazole tetrafluoroborate: 16.0 g (86%), white crystals.

-   M.p.: 208° C. -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CD₃CN): δ=1.40 (s, 3H, CH₂CH₃),1.75-2.00 (m, 4H,     2×CH₂), 2.80 (t, 2H, CH₂), 4.40 (q, 2H, CH₂CH₃). -   MS (GC/ESI⁺): m/z=246 (⁷⁹Br), 248 (⁸¹ Br)

Example 5

With the exclusion of atmospheric moisture, 2.84 g (15 mmol) of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate (Meerwein reagent) were dissolved at room temperature in 15 ml of dichloromethane. 2 g (15 mmol) of 2-chloro-4-methylthiazole were added thereto and the batch was boiled under reflux for 30 minutes. After cooling to room temperature and diluting with an excess of anhydrous ether, the residue was filtered off with suction and washed with diethyl ether.

-   2-Chloro-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazole tetrafluoroborate was obtained as     a white powder in a yield of>90% of theory. -   ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, CD₃CN), δ=13.2, 14.5, 48.0, 120.3, 141.4, 146.7 -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃), δ=1.42 (t,J=7.5 Hz, 3H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 4.42     (q,J=7.5, 2H), 7.68 (s,1 H) -   Melting point: 203° C.

Example 6

With the exclusion of atmospheric moisture, 21.8 g (110 mmol) of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate (Meerwein's reagent) were suspended at room temperature in 150 ml of dichloroethane. 25 g (100 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-phenylthiazole were added thereto, and the mixture was then boiled under reflux for 30 min. After cooling to RT and diluting with an excess of anhydrous ether, the residue was filtered off with suction and washed with diethyl ether.

-   2-Bromo-3-methyl-4-phenylthiazole tetrafluoroborate was obtained in     a yield of 59% of theory (22.0 g). -   Melting point: 111° C. -   ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=13.97, 49.53, 124.57, 127.06, 129.43,     130.12, 131.60, 144.31, 149.68. -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.23-1.28 (t, 3H), 4.45-4.56 (d, 2H),     7.56-7.72 (m, 5H), 8.12 (s, 1H, thiazole). -   El/MS: M⁺=268 (Br₇₉), 270 (Br₈₁)

Example 7

25g (140 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole were dissolved in 50 ml of dichloroethane and treated at room temperature with 8.85 g (70 mmol) of dimethyl sulfate. The mixture was then warmed to 50° C. for 1 h to complete the reaction. The solution was cooled to room temperature and treated with 300 ml of methyl tert-butyl ether. The crystals were filtered off with suction and then recrystallized from isopropanol.

-   2-Bromo-3,4-dimethylthiazolium methyl sulfate was obtained in a     yield of 8.5 g (25.1% of theory). -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 2.62 (s, 3H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 4.19 (s, 3H),     8.16 (s,1H, thiazole). -   El/MS (m/z): 279 (Br₇₉), 281 (Br₈₁).

Analogously to the Preparation Examples 1 to 7 and according to the general description of the preparation process according to the invention, it was also possible, for example, to prepare the compounds of the formula (I) listed in Table 1 below.

Starting Substances of the Formula (II)

Example II-A

At 10° C., 11.6 mol of hydrogen bromide were passed with the exclusion of moisture into a solution of 280 g (2.30 mol) of thiocyanato-propan-2-one in 4,500 ml of dichloromethane such that a temperature of 10° C. was not exceeded. Hydrogen bromide was generated from bromine and tetralin in the course of this reaction according to processes known from the literature. In a modification of the literature procedure, the addition of catalytic amounts of iron was dispensed with and the reaction temperature for the generation of hydrogen bromide was increased to 40° C. After the addition of the hydrogen bromide was complete (about 6 h), the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The product obtained as the hydrobromide was filtered off with suction, washed with 1,500 ml of dichloromethane, and again suspended in 3,000 ml of dichloromethane. 2,500 ml of saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution were then added in a 20 liter glass reactor at 0° C. with vigorous mixing (9600 min⁻¹) such that a temperature of 5° C. was not exceeded. The organic phase was separated off, dried over MgSO₄, and the solvent was distilled off at 30° C. and 50 mbar on a rotary evaporator. The residue that remained was then fractionally distilled.

-   Yield of 2-bromo-4-methylthiazole: 365 g (89%), colorless liquid -   B.p.: 51° C. (0.1 mbar) -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ=2.49 (s, 3H, CH₃), 6.85 (s,1H,     thiazole). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆): δ=17.25, 117.21, 134.90, 153.46. -   MS (Cl): (m/z)=M⁺179, C₄H₄BrNS: 178.05.

Example II-B

31.66 g (870 mmol) of HCl gas were passed at 10° C. into a solution of 20 g (170 mmol) of thiocyanato-2-propanone in 500 ml of dichloromethane. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 15 h. For the isolation of the product, the reaction mixture was treated with 1,500 ml of saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and then extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent was distilled off on a rotary evaporator. 2-Chloro-4-methylthiazole was obtained in a yield of 12.9 g (55.6% of theory).

-   ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃), δ=16.9, 115.4, 151.4 -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃), δ=2.43 (s, 3H), 6.85 (s,1H, thiazole). -   Reference: Jurew et al.; Zh. Obshch. Khim.; 29; 1959; 2299; Engl.     ed. p. 2263,Hantzsch; Chem. Ber.; 60; 1927; 2544.

Example II-C

HBr was passed at −30° C. for 20 min into a solution of 10.0 g (0.08 mol) of 3-thiocyanobutan-2-one in 300 ml of dichloromethane and the mixture was then warmed to 0° C. in the course of 10 min. In the course of this, HBr was continuously passed in and after 90 min the mixture was warmed to room temperature and the introduction of gas was ended in parallel. After the mixture had been stirred at room temperature for about 10 h, it was cooled to 0° C. and neutralized using a dilute aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The organic phase was separated off, dried over MgSO₄, and the solvent was distilled off on a rotary evaporator.

-   Yield of 2-bromo-3,4-dimethyl-1,3-thiazole: 13.0 g (87.4%), yellow     oil. -   MS (GC/EI⁺): m/z=192 (M⁺). -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=2.36 (s, 3H, CH₃thiazole), 2.38 (s, 3H,     CH₃ thiazole). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, CH₃CN-d₃): δ=11.25, 14.63, 130.23, 130.64, 148.74.

Example II-D

HBr was passed at 0° C. for 20 min into a solution of 12.02 g (77.41 mmol) of 2-thiocyanocyclohexanone (see, for example, Ali et al. 1981, J. Chem. Res. Miniprint 8, 2901-2927; Tanabe et al. 1994, Chem. Lett. 12, 2275-2278) in 300 ml of dichloromethane and the mixture was then warmed to room temperature in the course of 10 min and at the same time HBr was passed in continuously. After 30 min, the introduction of gas was ended. After the mixture had been stirred overnight at room temperature, it was cooled to 0° C. and neutralized using a dilute aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The organic phase was separated off, dried over MgSO₄ and the solvent is distilled off on a rotary evaporator. Yield of 2-bromo-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzothiazole: 12.0 g (65.4%), yellow oil.

-   MS (GC/Cl): m/z=218 (M⁺) -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=1.85 (m, 4H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 2H). -   ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, CH₃CN-d₃): δ=22.75, 23.09, 23.40, 26.64, 132.34,     132.90, 150.94.

Analogously to the Preparation Examples 1 to 3 and according to the general description of the preparation process according to the invention, it was also possible, for example, to prepare the compounds of the formula (II) listed in Table 1 below.

Example II-E

With the exclusion of moisture, 100 g (0.56 mol) of 1-phenyl-2-thiocyanatoethanol were dissolved in 1,000 ml of dichloromethane and 228.27 g (2.82 mol) of hydrogen bromide were passed in at 10° C. in the course of 2 h. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 2 h. For work-up, the solution was treated with 2,000 ml of a saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and then extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate and the solvent was distilled off on a rotary evaporator.

-   2-Bromo-4-phenylthiazole was obtained in a yield of 84% of theory.     ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=116.48, 126.62, 129.07, 129.25, 133.63,     136.20, 156.20.¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=7.43-7.52 (m, 4H),     7.84-7.93 (m, 2H)

Reference: Sharma, G. M. et al.; Tetrahedron; 15; 1961; 53-59. TABLE 1 Examples of compounds of the formula (II) (II),

where R⁴ in each case represents bromine or chlorine. Ex. No. R² R³ II-D CH₃ C₂H₅ II-E —(CH₂)₃— II-F —(CH₂)₄— II-G —(CH₂)₅— II-H C₂H₅ CH₃ II-I C₂H₅ C₂H₅ II-J —(CH₂)₃— II-K —(CH₂)₄— II-L —(CH₂)₅— II-N n-C₃H₇ H II-O n-C₃H₇ CH₃ II-P n-C₃H₇ C₂H₅ II-Q —(CH₂)₃— II-R —(CH₂)₄— II-S —(CH₂)₅— II-U i-C₃H₇ H II-V i-C₃H₇ CH₃ II-W i-C₃H₇ C₂H₅ II-X —(CH₂)₃— II-Y —(CH₂)₄— II-Z —(CH₂)₅— II-AB n-C₄H₉ H II-AC n-C₄H₉ CH₃ II-AD n-C₄H₉ C₂H₅ II-AE —(CH₂)₃— II-AF —(CH₂)₄— II-AG —(CH₂)₅— II-AI s-C₄H₉ H II-AJ s-C₄H₉ CH₃ II-AK s-C₄H₉ C₂H₅ II-AL —(CH₂)₃— II-AM —(CH₂)₄— II-AN —(CH₂)₅— II-AP t-C₄H₉ H II-AQ t-C₄H₉ CH₃ II-AR t-C₄H₉ C₂H₅ II-AS —(CH₂)₃— II-AT —(CH₂)₄— II-AU —(CH₂)₅— Starting Substances of the Formula (V)

Example V-A

The 1-phenyl-2-thiocyanatoethanol needed for the preparation of 2-bromo-4-phenylthiazole (Example II-E) could be prepared as follows.

At room temperature, 200 g (1.01 mol) of bromoacetophenone were introduced into 1,000 ml of ethanol and then treated with 97.75 g (1.21 mol) of sodium thiocyanate. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h and the precipitate was filtered off. The mother solution was then concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The crude material had adequate purity for further reactions.

-   1-Phenyl-2-thiocyanatoethanol was obtained in a yield of 93% of     theory. -   ¹³C-NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=43.46, 121.26, 126.24, 128.85, 129.58,     134.31, 135.23, 191.21. -   ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ=4.75 (s, 2H), 7.24-7.93 (m, 5H). -   Reference: J. Bariana et al.; J. Indian Chem. Soc.; 31; 1954; 848.     Use Examples     Reactivity Screening

The relative reactivity of the new peptide coupling reagents was determined in a reactivity screening. For this, 1.0 eq (54 mg, 0.2 mmol) of CIH₂N-Melle-Bn was introduced into 10 ml of anhydrous dichloromethane and treated with 1.0 eq (49 mg, 0.2 mmol) of Boc-Melle-OH (where in each case Melle represents an N-methylisoleucine residue). 1.5 eq (0.3 mmol) of the coupling reagent to be tested (A to K, see FIG. 1) were then added to this solution at room temperature and after this was treated with 6 eq (1.2 mmol) of diisopropylethylamine. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 3 h and worked up on the micro scale for reaction control. For this, 200 microliters were withdrawn and treated with 200 microliters of a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The organic phase was separated off and diluted with 1 ml of acetonitrile. For the determination of the starting material/product ratios, 5 microliters of this solution were measured by HPLC. The mobile phase used here was the system shown below: Waters Alliance 2690 system, UV detection, 214 nm; column: Waters Xterra C₈, 150×3.9 mm, flow: 1.2 ml/min; 0-13 min: 95% H₂O, 5% CH₃CN=>5% H₂O, 95% CH₃CN (0.1% TFA in solvent). In order to make a comparison with known coupling reagents, known coupling reagents (I, II, and III, see FIG. 1) were also tested using the described process. The degree of reaction was measured in relative units.

In FIG. 1, HATU represents O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N, N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate; PyBOP represents 1-benzotriazolyloxytripyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate; EDC represents N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride; and HOBt represents 1-hydroxy-iH-benzotriazole.

The reaction that was carried out can be described as follows:

In comparison with the known coupling reagents I, II and III, the coupling reagents A to K exhibited very good reactivity. 

1. A compound of the formula (I)

in which R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, R² represents C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, phenyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyloxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkylcarbonyloxy, benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or pyrrolyl, thienyl, naphthyl, or benzothiophenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, R³ represents hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, or R² and R³ together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, carboxyl, carbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy or the optionally halogen-, NO₂-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy-substituted groups having the formulas

where the arrows mark the points of linkage to the thiazole ring, and n represents 3, 4 or 5, R⁴ represents bromine or chlorine, and X- represents chloride, bromide, iodide, hydrogen sulfate, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, hexachloroantimonate, methanesulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, tetrafluoroborate, tetraphenylborate, or hexafluorophosphate, excluding the compounds 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium tetrafluoroborate and 2-bromo-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium hexachloroantimonate, 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium tetrafluoroborate and 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4-methylthiazolium hexachloroantimonate, 2-bromo-3-methyl-4-phenylthiazolium tetrafluoroborate, 2-chloro-3-ethyl-4,5-dimethylthiazolium tetrafluoroborate, and 2-chloro-3,4-dimethylthiazolium tetrafluoroborate.
 2. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, or n- or i-propoxy, R² represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, or benzyl or phenyl that is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, or n- or i-propoxy, R³ represents hydrogen or methyl, or R² and R³together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, or carbonyl or the groups having the formulas

n represents 3 or 4, R⁴ represents bromine, and X- represents bromide, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, SbCl₆ ⁻, mesylate, triflate, tosylate, tetrafluoroborate, tetraphenylborate, or hexafluorophosphate.
 3. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, R² represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, or phenyl that is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, or ethyl, R³ represents hydrogen, or R² and R³together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally substituted by fluorine and/or chlorine, methyl, ethyl, or carbonyl, and X′ represents bromide, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, or tetrafluoroborate.
 4. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or isopropyl, R² represents methyl or ethyl, and X- represents tetrafluoroborate.
 5. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein R⁴ represents bromine.
 6. A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I-1)

in which R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, R² represents C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, phenyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyloxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkylcarbonyloxy, benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or pyrrolyl, thienyl, naphthyl, or benzothiophenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, R³ represents hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, or R² and R³ together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, carboxyl, carbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy or the optionally halogen-, NO₂-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy-substituted groups having the formulas

where the arrows mark the points of linkage to the thiazole ring, and n represents 3, 4 or 5, R⁴ represents bromine or chlorine, and X¹⁻ represents chloride, bromide, iodide, hydrogen sulfate, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, SbCl6-, methanesulfonate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, or p-toluenesulfonate, comprising (a) reacting compounds of the formula (II)

in which R², R³ and R⁴have the meanings indicated for formula (I-1), with alkylating reagents of the formula (111) R¹-X¹ (III), in which R¹ has the meaning indicated for formula (I-1), and X¹ represents chlorine, bromine, iodine, sulfoxy, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, SbCl₆ ⁻, methylsulfonyloxy, trifluorosulfonyloxy or toluenesulfonyloxy, in the presence of a diluent, or (b) reacting compounds of the formula (II)

in which R², R³ and R⁴ have the meanings indicated for formula (I-1), with sulfonating reagents of the formula (VIl)

in which R¹ has the meaning indicated for formula (I-1), in the presence of a diluent, or (c) oxidizing compounds of the formula (II)

in which R², R³ and R⁴ have the meanings indicated for formula (I-1), using hydrogen peroxide, peracids, or NaOCl.
 7. A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I-2)

in which R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, R² represents C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, phenyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyloxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkylcarbonyloxy, benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or pyrrolyl, thienyl, naphthyl, or benzothiophenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, R³ represents hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, or R² and R³ together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, carboxyl, carbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy or the optionally halogen-, NO₂-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy-substituted groups having the formulas

where the arrows mark the points of linkage to the thiazole ring, and n represents 3, 4 or 5, R⁴ represents bromine or chlorine, and X¹¹⁻ represents tetrafluoroborate, tetraphenylborate, or hexafluorophosphate, comprising (a) reacting compounds of the formula (II)

in which R², R³ and R⁴ have the meanings indicated for formula (I-2), with alkylating reagents of the formula (IV) (R ¹)₃ -O ⁺ X ¹¹⁻  (IV), in which R¹ and X¹¹⁻ have the meanings indicated for formula (I-2), in the presence of a diluent, or (b) exchanging the anion X¹⁻ of compounds of the formula (I-1)

2 in which R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ have the meanings indicated for formula (I-2), and X¹ represents chlorine, bromine, iodine, sulfoxy, ½ equivalent of sulfate, sulfate, SbCl₆ ⁻, methylsulfonyloxy, trifluorosulfonyloxy or toluenesulfonyloxy, with tetrafluoroboric acid, tetraphenylboric acid, or hexafluorophosphoric acid or an anion exchanger loaded with tetrafluoroboric acid, tetraphenylboric acid, or hexafluorophosphoric acid so that X¹¹⁻ has the meaning indicated for formula (I-2).
 8. A condensation agent comprising a compound according to claim
 1. 9. A peptide coupling reagent comprising a condensation agent according to claim
 8. 10. A method comprising synthesizing peptides with a condensation agent wherein the condensation agent is a compound according to claim
 1. 11. A compound of the formula (I-2)

in which R¹ represents methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, or benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, R² represents C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, phenyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyloxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkylcarbonyloxy, benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or pyrrolyl, thienyl, naphthyl, or benzothiophenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, R³ represents hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, or R² and R³ together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, carboxyl, carbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy or the optionally halogen-, NO₂-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy-substituted groups having the formulas

where the arrows mark the points of linkage to the thiazole ring, and n represents 3, 4 or 5, R⁴ represents bromine or chlorine, and X¹¹⁻ represents tetrafluoroborate, tetraphenylborate, or hexafluorophosphate, with the exception of compounds in which R⁴ represents bromine and R² represents CH₃ when R³ represents hydrogen or CH₃; in which R⁴ represents chlorine and R² represents CH₃ when R³ represents hydrogen; and in which R⁴ represents bromine and R² represents ethyl when R³ represents hydrogen.
 12. A process for the preparation of compounds of the formula (II)

in which R² represents C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-methylphenylsulfonyl, phenyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyloxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkylcarbonyloxy, benzyl that is optionally substituted by halogen, nitro, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or pyrrolyl, thienyl, naphthyl, or benzothiophenyl, each of which is optionally substituted by halogen, C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, R³ represents hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, or R² and R³ together represent -(CH₂)_(n)- that is optionally substituted by halogen, NO₂, carboxyl, carbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy or the optionally halogen-, NO₂-, C₁-C₄-alkyl-, C₁-C₄-halogenoalkyl-, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-, or C₁-C₄-halogenoalkoxy-substituted groups having the formulas

where the arrows mark the points of linkage to the thiazole ring, and n represents 3, 4 or 5, and R⁴ represents bromine or chlorine, comprising (1) reacting compounds of the formula (V)

in which R² and R³ have one of the meanings indicated for formula (II), with hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride in the presence of a diluent to form a compound of the formula (VI)

in which R², R³ and R⁴ have one of the meanings indicated for formula (II) and R⁴ is bromide or chloride, and (2) releasing the hydrogen bromide or hydrogen chloride from the compound of the formula (VI).
 13. A compound of the formula (II-I)

in which n represents 1 or
 2. 